Trip Summary:The ultimate Everest circuit, rising from Lukla to Chhukung, crossing the Kongma La to Lobuche and Everest Base Camp, continuing over Chola to Gokyo, then crossing the Renjo La to Thame and Namche Bazaar. It is only for the truly adventurous ones.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is high mountain walking pushed to the next level, literally. The high-altitude vistas, challenging passes, and 8000-meter peaks draw those who hunger for challenging but rewarding long-distance high-altitude walking.

From the bustling Sherpa outpost of Lukla to the lesser visited high pass of Khongma La (5535m), you will traverse Sagarmatha National Park and can look forward to encountering Sherpa culture, some of the most dramatic high-mountain scenery on Earth, and possibly even a few of the rare species that call this region home. The Everest Three Passes Trekis a challenging banquet of high-altitude trekking awesomeness. For those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path trip to the Everest region, you should consider this trek.

Our walk begins in Lukla following a thrilling, scenic flight introducing us to many of the mountains that will accompany us through much of our trek. As we proceed up the eastern side of the valley, we are accompanied by the Dudh Kosi, the aqua-colored glacially-fed river that originates in higher altitudes of the Everst region and that defines the valley floor.

During our walk, we pass through Sherpa villages filled with Mani walls, prayer wheels, and legendary hospitality. We stop in Namche Bazaar (3440m), a bustling mountain-side village full of stories, delicious food, and excellent day hikes for acclimatizing. We discover Tengboche, the spiritual center of the Khumbu region and home to its largest Gompa.

In the higher alpine, we clamber over moraine trails, glimpse glacier after glacier, and consider the mysticism of colorful prayer flags and Mani walls. From Chukhung, we ascend the regions highest non-technical pass, the Khongma La. From Gorak Shep, we bag Kala Patthar (5643m) and catch a killer sunrise and epic panoramic views of Everest (8848m), Ama Dablam (6812m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), Pumori (7161m), Thamserku (6608m), and so many others that we will be drooling.

From the upper Khumbu, we climb the Chola La (5330m), a mildly-technical pass and descend into the Gokyo Valley, home to the highest freshwater lake system on Earth. We bag Gokyo Ri (5357m) for views of Cho Oyo (8188m) and the Ngozumpa glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas. We then climb the Renjo La (5360m), our third high-altitude pass, before circling back to Namche.

Following our walk in the Khumbu region, we return to Kathmandu via another scenic flight for final glimpses of the big peaks.

Trip Highlight

Sherpa cultural centers of Namche Bazaar and Khumjung

Everest Base Camp

Crossing the Khumbus highest non-technical pass, the Khongma La

The semi-technical passes of Cho La and Renjo La

Highest freshwater lake system on Earth and the longest glacier in the Himalayas, Ngozumba glacier

Everest and several 8000 meter peaks

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 :Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport

Day 02 :Trip starts: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (duration 30 mins) and then trek to Phakding (2652m)

Day 03 :Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m).

Cost Exclude

International airfare to and from Kathmandu

Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (Please note: amultiple-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas valid for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-sized photos and cash for the visa)

Any additional nights of accommodation and any meals that may be required beyond those outlined in the finalized itinerary, either in Kathmandu or Pokhara, due to a late departure as a result of circumstances beyond our control, or to an early return from the trek (for any reason)

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 :Arrive at Kathmandu International AirportArrival in Kathmandu International airport where our representative will be waiting to welcome you at the arrival gate. For your convenience, our representative will be holding your or your company’s name card. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and freshen up before we meet at the reception area to discuss trip details and any other information as required.
Overnight in hotel.

Day 02 :Trip starts: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (duration 30 mins) and then trek to Phakding (2652m)To begin this trek, we first transfer to the airport and then enjoy a 30-minute scenic flight that takes in 8,000m peaks, glaciers and even Everest. We land in the bustling, mountainside town of Lukla where we meet our assisting team. From here hit the trail, passing our first Mani wall before continuing on with the Dudh Kosi to our left. We walk through several villages, including Chheplung, Koshigaun, and Ghat all of which have massive, colorful prayer wheels. Soon after Ghat we pull into Phakding, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in teahouse.

Day 03 :Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m)Trek to Namche Bazaar (3446m).After breakfast, we begin our walk with fantastic views of Kongde Ri (6187m). Soon after departing Phakding we cross the first of several bridges of the day. Not long after crossing the second we enter Manjo and are officially heading into Sagarmatha National Park. From Manjo, we begin a knee-crunching steep ascent via the Larja Dobhan bridge and pass an Everest viewing point, our first of the walk. We continue our ascent to arrive in Namche, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in teahouse.

Day 04 :Acclimatization day in NamcheCan you believe we have gained 2000m since departing Kathmandu? Today therefore is a “rest” day, a full day for our bodies to adjust to the higher elevation before we proceed to the next stage of the trek. While “rest” means we will not trek to our next stage today, it certainly does not mean we cannot explore the surrounding delights. Namche is full of opportunities to share stories with other walkers and to explore day hikes to Khunde, the Everest View Hotel and many others, including the longest Mani wall in the Khumbu, located in Khumjung.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 05 :Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3,860m)After our warm breakfast in Namche, we begin our walk to Tengboche, home to the largest Gompa in the Khumbu and an important spiritual center. Along the way we are delighted with jaw-dropping views of Ama Dablam (6812m), Lhotse Shar (8383m), Taboche (6495m), Kangtega (6782m), and Thamserku (6608m). After an hour or so, we pass Kyanjunma and may spy mountain goats on the slopes. We continue on passing through the village of Phungi Thenga before arriving in Tengboche, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 06 :Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m)We enjoy breakfast and continue on, ascending stone steps. We press on, passingthe high-altitude villages of Deboche and Milinggo before crossing the Imja Khola. We continue on, passing through villages and absorbing Ama Dablam before crossing the bridge again in Shomare, where the trail flattens and we continue adjacent to the Imja Khola, reaching Dingboche, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 07 :Trek from Dingboche to Chhukung (4730m)Today is relatively easy, and after breakfast we hit the trail for Chukhung. This is the same trail to the Island Peak base camp. If we arrive early and are feeling ambitious, we can hike further up valley to Imja Tsho (5010m) for a quick glimpse of this beautiful high alpine lake. This is high alpine country, with incredible big-mountain views complemented by Mani walls. Chukhung is our final destination for the day. Overnight in tea house.

Day 08 :Trek from Chukhung to Lobuche (4910m) via Khongma La Pass (5535m)We have a challenging but beautiful day ahead, so we finish an early breakfast and begin walking early. We begin our ascent of the pass in the morning, coming to high camp at 4447m before taking the pass and pausing to take in the scenery and the flags. From here we take in Nuptste (7861m), Cholatse (6440m), Pumori (7161m), Khumbutse (6636m), Thamserku (6608m), among so many others. We continue on crossing the glacier, and finally pull in to Lobuche, our final destination for the day. Overnight tea house.

Day 09 :Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5164m) via Everest Base Camp (5364m)Today is a big day, so an early breakfast and we are off. We follow the left moraine keeping the Khumbu glacier to our right. We continue to ascend to cross the Lobuche pass at (5110m) before a push to Gorak Shep where we enjoy a much-deserved lunch and tea. Following lunch, we continue on to Everest Base Camp. The altitude is a challenge, so we take it easy on an otherwise not-too-demanding trail. We take in the views, and enjoy our time before descending back to Gorak Shep, our final destination for the day. Overnight in tea house.

Day 10 :Trek from Gorak Shep to Dzonglha (4830m) via Kala Patthar (5643m)Today is packed with world-class views, so we hit the trail early for sunrise atop Kala Patthar. We ascend from Gorak Shep to gain the vantage, and enjoy shocking panoramic views of Everest, Lohtse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and so many others. We take in the views, consider our accomplishment and shoot some photos before descending to Gorak Shep for breakfast. From here we trek down valley before turning west to stunning views of Chola Lake below the trail. Soon after, we arrive in Dzonghla, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 11 :Trek from Dzonglha to Gokyo (4720m) via Cho La Pass (5330m)A challenging day is before us, so we enjoy breakfast and hit the trail. Our walk begins with a steep ascent. Some sections may require that we use additional equipment, depending on the conditions of the trail. Once we cross the pass, we descend a very steep trail to Tagnag/Phedi. We then carefully cross the glacier to enter the Gokyo Valley and then Gokyo, our final destination for the day.
Overnight at lodge.

Day 12 :Exploration day in Gokyo and hike to Gokyo Ri (5357m)After our breakfast, we set out for Gokyo Ri. The Gokyo Valley embodies varied Himalayan scenery as is home to highest freshwater lake system in the world. The views from Gokyo Ri allow us to take in the magnificence of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, and Cho Oyo (8188m), the 6th highest mountain above sea level.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 13 :Trek from Gokyo to Lunden (4380m) via Renjo La Pass (5360m)Today brings the final high pass of our 3 passes adventure. Following breakfast, we begin our ascent, starting on a sometimes-slippery path. Once on the pass, we gain stunning views of Makalu (8485m), the Rowaling range, andGyachung Kang (7952m). We press on, descending a steep path that can be icy, depending on the conditions, and pull into Lunden, our final destination for the day.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 14 :Trek from Lunden to Thame (visit Thame monastery) (3820m)We begin our walk after breakfast, and descend through the village of Marlung, and again gain sight of the spectacular Dudh Kosi Valley. We notice our trail has become grassy, indicating we are out of the high alpine and as we descend further, passing Taranga before arriving in Thame, our final destination for the day. Thame is a culturally important center for Tibetan Buddhism and festivals. The Thame Monastery is one of the oldest in the Khumbu region, and we can visit the monastery.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 15 :Trek from Thame to Namche (3440m)Following breakfast, we head for Namche on a gradual downhill walk. Soon after setting out, we cross a suspension bridge and quickly passing through Samde, before continuing on to through settlements peppered along the path. Along the way we come across more Gompas, including in Phurte. Not long after, we walk into Namche, our final destination for the night.
Overnight in tea house.

Day 16 :Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840m)After a delicious breakfast, we hit the trail, descending that knee-crunching path we remember well. We wave goodbye to Sagarmatha National Park and continue our descent, passing through Manjo. From Phakding the trail largely flattens and our knees take a breath while we enjoy the remaining Mani walls and all those wonderfully colorful prayer wheels as we once again pass through Ghat and other villages. We arrive in Lukla, our final destination for the day and celebrate!
Overnight in tea house.

Day 17 :Fly back to KathmanduWe jump back in the plane early in the morning for a scenic closure to our walk. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel where you can rest or explore. In the evening the Adventure Bound team and you meetup for a culturally-oriented farewell dinner.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 18 :Final DepartureToday our incredible trip together comes to a close, and we send you off at the international airport.

Photos of Everest Three Pass Trek

Google location of Everest Three Pass Trek

Trip note

Please be informed that Kathmandu Lukla, and Lukla Kathmandu flights are often delayed by hours, and sometimes even days, due to unfavorable weather conditions. Mountain weather, especially in the Himalayas, is unpredictable and can change quickly, even in the best months of October and November. As you plan your trip to the Everest region, please plan accordingly.

Understandably, the weather is beyond the control of Adventure Bound, but please be assured that if a flight is delayed, we are working to ensure you are on the next available flight. If the delay requires that you change your trip plans, we are here to help you organize the next best alternative for you to enjoy your time in Nepal.

One of these alternatives is chartered helicopter flight to/from Lukla. Helicopters can fly in much of the weather that the airplanes cannot, and therefore are available for both charter and emergency rescue. We understand this may not be a solution for everyone.

A more exciting and rewarding alternative is to consider walking from Jiri to Lukla, or Lukla to Jiri. Jiri is the historical trailhead of the Everest Base Camp trek, and the trail gateway to the Khumbu region. These days a walker can even begin in the village of Shivalaya, just passed Jiri. The walk through the foothills helps acclimatize and is great for physically preparing for long-distance walking. And very few trekkers actually walk this each year. If you might be interested in this, the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek [insert link] offers more information about this section of the walk. Or give us a shout and we will be happy to answer questions and share our thoughts.

Please also be informed that this itinerary isa scheduled trip reflecting an itinerary that has been very popular among many of our previous guests. The itinerary can be easily customized to accommodate your own preferred schedule and interests.

We are also happy to organize combination packages to explore various regions and attractions throughout the country if you have an interest to explore Nepal further. Popular destinations and activities include: the well-known Chitwan National Park and its jungle safaris, guided tours through the medieval kingdoms of ancient Nepal, trips to Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), scenic mountain flights, world-class white-water rafting, and much more.

Reach out to discuss your thoughts and we will work with you to make it happen.